Dual axis synchronized tracking system

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a dual axis tracking system ( 200 ) comprising a support structure ( 300 ) for supporting at least one solar device ( 1 ); a movable carriage frame ( 353 ) pivotally coupled to the support structure ( 300 ); at least one carrier arm ( 351 ) pivotally coupled to the support structure ( 300 ) and to the movable carriage frame ( 353 ). Each carrier arm ( 351 ) is adapted to hold or support a plurality of carrier arms ( 351 ) and other solar devices such as reflecting means or the likes. A motion assembly ( 352 ) pivotally coupled to the carriage frame ( 353 ) for providing movements to the carriage frame ( 353 ) and the carrier arm ( 351 ); wherein the motion assembly ( 352 ) comprises at least one telescopic member ( 352   a ) and a track assembly ( 352   b ). The orientations or movements of the solar devices ( 1 ) are generally in response to the motions provided by the motion assembly ( 352 ) in cooperation with the carriage frame ( 353 ) and the carrier arm ( 351 ).

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the claimed invention relate to tracking in general, andmore particularly trackers and systems for tracking the sun and/or otherastronomical objects based on two general axes of rotation.

BACKGROUND

In the emerging industry of solar power, dual axis sun tracking has beenthe favored approach over single axis tracking owing to its knownreputation as a more effective additional facility to provide accuratepositioning thus significantly improving solar panel overall output.Primarily formed with means for tracking the motion of the sun, dualaxis trackers are often used to provide tracking movements for aplurality of linked solar panels, such linking thereby necessitates theplurality of panels to be mounted on considerably large and complexframe or fixtures. These frames are typically sustained by a singlevertical support post and equipped with numerous components to providedual axis movements in addition to ensuring the panels move in alignmentbased on two axes. In many occasions, an insubstantial structure wouldface instability complications particularly due to weight imbalance andwind load effects on solar panels.

However, the overall handling of dual axis trackers and systems and itsinstallation are often associated with complexity and beingprohibitively expensive due to the considerably large number ofoperational components compared to that of single axis trackers.Perceptibly, increased complexity and number of components introducesadditional possibilities for malfunctions and overall failures. Anothermajor barrier for installation of solar tracking systems is portabilityand construction, whereby for highly complex systems having a largenumber of moving parts, portability and construction would becorrespondingly difficult and in some cases, would involve relativelyhigh cost.

In an effort to alleviate or partially address the current drawbacks ofdual axis sun trackers and systems, the idea of central actuatingstructures or members adapted to provide synchronized movements for aplurality of solar panels have been introduced in the market, although agreat majority of these structures suffers from one or more flaws suchas complexity in installation, ineffective wind loading features, weightimbalances which could gradually affect the tracking accuracy and thusbecome uneconomical.

One of the helpful attempts to resolve issues linked to weigh imbalancein sustaining large amount of solar arrays; is as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,968,355 (Johnson), whereby this patent teaches a counterbalancedsolar tracking system including a plurality of truss structures, polardriving means and a plurality of wheel segments to move arrays ofpanels. From here it is apparent that although the disclosed structuremay be expedient for providing a counterbalanced sun tracking systemthere appears to be a large number of moving components involved inorder to achieve the desired results. Therefore, installation for thissystem can be a complicated task.

In another disclosure, United States Application Number 2011/0041834(Liao, Henry H) teaches a dual axis solar tracker system and apparatuswhich comprises dual linear actuators mounted adjacent to a ground postwhich is a vertical post, a rotatable or rotating head being connectedto the top end of the ground post for providing or actuating dual axismovements of two panels mounted to a horizontal beam. The rotating headis essential to permit rotation of the panels. Based on the moving partsdisclosed, this tracker system can be regarded as cost effective,however the number of solar panel that can be mounted to each horizontalbeam is limited, otherwise the stability of the tracker system may becompromised. Therefore, this tracker may not be effectively fit forsupporting a large array of solar panels or providing synchronizedmovements for a large number of solar panels.

In another exemplary of the prior art, European Patent Number 1998122 A1has suggested a rotating head or an additional device that enables therotation or at least causes rotation of the supported PV module. It canbe seen from this particular disclosure that the rotation of module isheavily dependent on a spherical tower affixed to a base structure. Thetower is adapted to be able to tilt and track the sun. The weight of thephotovoltaic module is entirely supported by a spherical tower adaptedto provide movements to said module in tracking the sun. From here itcan be recognized that the structure, more particularly the tower maysuccumb to failure after a period of time owing to the mechanical stressand strain from the large number of panels to be supported on a singlepoint.

Accordingly, there remains a considerable need for solar trackerssystems and methods that can expediently resolve the drawbacksassociated to providing a counterbalanced and stable dual axis solartracking structure to provide synchronized movements for a plurality ofsolar panels with minimum number of moving components thus substantiallyreducing the overall cost and time required for installation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like componentsor members.

In one aspect of the claimed invention, there is disclosed a dual axissolar tracking system (200) comprising: a support structure (300) forsupporting at least one solar device (1) comprising at least twohorizontal members (301,302), at least one transverse post (308) securedat a central region of the support structure (300) and a movablecarriage frame (353) pivotally coupled to the horizontal members (301,302);

In a further aspect of the claimed invention, there is at least onecarrier arm (351) pivotally coupled to at least one of the horizontalmembers (301, 302) and to the movable carriage frame (353); said carrierarm (351) for holding at least one solar device (1); a motion assembly(352) pivotally coupled to the carriage frame (353) for providingmovements to the carriage frame (353) and the carrier arm (351).

In another aspect of the claimed invention, the motion assembly (352)comprises at least one telescopic member (352 a) and a track assembly(352 b); said track assembly (352 b) comprising at least one slidingmember (40) being slidably connected to a sliding track (41).

In a further aspect of the claimed invention, the telescopic member (352a) is pivotally and slidably coupled to the motion assembly (352) and ina manner such that a lower section of the telescopic member (352 a) isslidable on the sliding member (40); and that the lower section of thetelescopic member (352 a) is movable laterally or forward and backward.

It is another aspect of the claimed invention at which the solar device(1) varying orientations or movements are in response to the motionsprovided by the motion assembly (352) in cooperation with the carriageframe (353) and the carrier arm (351).

These and further objects and advantages will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art in connection with the drawings and then detaileddescription of the embodiments set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features of the claimed invention will be apparent from the followingdescription when read with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1( a) illustrates the overall view of the solar tracking system inaccordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention;

FIG. 1( b) illustrates a perspective view of the support structure (300)for the system (200) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theclaimed invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the overall view of the carriage assembly accordingto the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3( a) shows a perspective and elevated view of the motion assemblyin accordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3( b) shows another perspective and elevated view of the motionassembly in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimedinvention;

FIG. 3( c) shows a view of a mounting member in accordance with thepreferred embodiments of claimed invention;

FIG. 4 shows an elevated view of the track assembly in accordance withthe preferred embodiments of the claimed invention;

FIG. 5( a) illustrates the carrier arm without the solar device inaccordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention;

FIG. 5( b) illustrates the carrier arm having two solar panels andreflective means mounted thereon in accordance with the preferredembodiments of the claimed invention;

FIG. 5( c) illustrates a connector for providing pivotal connection ofthe carrier arm to the horizontal post in accordance with the preferredembodiments of the claimed invention;

FIG. 6( a)-FIG. 6( c) shows an exemplary of tracking information forcountries included in the Southern and Northern hemisphere; and

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary of the reflecting angles for a standardreflecting means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings where, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of theinvention are shown. It is to be understood that other embodiments maybe used as structural and other changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the claimed invention. Also, the various embodimentsand aspects from each of the various embodiments may be used in anysuitable combinations. Accordingly, the drawings and detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to a solar trackerhaving the object of solving the previously discussed drawbacks in acost effective manner.

Relative terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “below”, “above” and the likesmay be used for ease of description in elucidating the subject matter ofthe present invention, particularly for describing an element ormember's relationship to another member or element.

To that end the tracking system in accordance with the preferredembodiments of the claimed invention provides orientations in trackingthe sun for an array of solar-based devices; based on two differentaxes. It is contemplated that the tracking system can be used fortracking other astronomical objects of the solar system. Examples ofsolar devices include solar panels and additional solarreflector/concentrator members; whereby these devices are linked withinthe system in a manner such that the synchronized movements can beprovided with minimum number of moving components.

FIG. 1( a) generally illustrate dual axis tracking system (200) forsupporting and moving a plurality of solar devices (1,2), module or anarray of solar based devices in tracking the sun in one embodiment,comprising a plurality of solar devices (1,2); support structure (300),at least one carrier arm (351) (inserted in amended drawings), acarriage assembly for holding and providing movement of solar devices(1, 2) and a motion transfer or motion assembly (352).

Support Structure

FIG. 1( b) shows a perspective view of the support structure (300) forthe system (200) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theclaimed invention.

Now referring to FIG. 1( b), the support structure (300) includes twohorizontal elongated support members or posts (301, 302) which servesgenerally to hold the carriage assembly and providing pivotal movementssupport, whereby each end of the horizontal support members (301, 302)is connected to a vertical member (303, 304, 305, 306) thus holding upthe horizontal members as seen in FIG. 1( b). It is contemplated thatthe main body of the vertical and horizontal members may be of variouscross sections, whichever deemed suitable for supporting a plurality ofsolar devices (1,2).

As shown in FIG. 1( b), the vertical (303, 304, 305, 306) and horizontalmembers (301, 302) are generally elongated in structure. They can be inthe form of tubes, poles or posts, which can be of various dimensions,deemed suitable to support and permit solar panels movement. It shouldbe appreciated that the vertical (303, 304, 305,306) and horizontalmembers (301, 302) can be constructed from materials such as, but notlimiting to, alloy, steel based materials or reasonable combinationsthereof, coated or non-coated.

In one aspect of the claimed invention, the horizontal members (301,302) are in the form of square hollow posts. As briefly discussed in thepreceding paragraph, each end of the horizontal members (301, 302) isrotatably connected to at least two mutually opposing vertical supportposts (303, 304, 305,306). The vertical posts (303, 304, 305,306) may beconstructed from suitable materials with sufficient strength to supportthe overall structure including the plurality of solar devices (1,2).

Accordingly in order to achieve a rotatable connection or attachmentwith the horizontal members (301, 302), the vertical posts (303, 304,305, 306) may include a cross tube thus forming a T-shaped post as shownFIG. 1( b). In such T-shaped structure, the cross tube or crosspiece isformed by a hollow tube positioned on top end of the main body of saidvertical post (303, 304, 305, 306). The main body being circular crosssection and the bottom end is formed with a base member (16) so as toprovide ground stability and as rigid foundation of the overall trackersystem. The cross hollow tube (11, 12,13,14) of each vertical post has adimension sufficient to receive one end of the horizontal member (301)and at the same time allowing it to rotate with the aid of suitablebushing means provided on each end. The same arrangement can be providedfor the other horizontal members (301, 302) of the support structure(300).

As seen in FIG. 1( b) and in accordance with the preferred embodimentsof the claimed invention, the support structure (300) further comprisesa transverse post (308) located generally at the middle region of thestructure (300), so as to provide added rigidity to the overallstructure. Therefore in this position, each end of the transverse post(308) is secured to the respective horizontal member (301, 302), inwhich said ends of the transverse post (308) may be secured to thehorizontal members (301, 302) by way of a connecting piece (308 a, 308b) which is in the form of a tubular connecting piece provided withsuitable bushing means, similar to that of the vertical posts (303, 304,305,306). At approximately the central region, along the length of thetransverse post (308) there provided a connector, which in a wayconnects at least one section of the carriage assembly to the supportstructure (300). It is contemplated that the connecting end (308 a, 308b) may be provided detachably or permanently structured with thetransverse post (308).

The purpose of the transverse post (308) will be described herein belowin conjunction with the carriage assembly.

The support structure (300) further comprises a plurality of concreteblocks (80, 81, 82, 83) or anchoring means of the likes to serve asfoundations for the tracking system (200).

Carriage Assembly

FIG. 2 illustrates the overall view of the carriage assembly accordingto the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention. The carriageassembly in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimedinvention comprises a plurality of horizontal posts (17, 18, 19, 20)forming a carriage frame (353).

In this embodiment, the carriage frame (353) generally comprises of atleast four horizontal posts interlocked together in a manner such thatthey form a H-shaped frame. For this configuration, two of the saidposts being spaced apart at a predetermined distance, referred herein asthe middle posts (19,20) are perpendicularly connected in between twoother posts (17, 18), which are referred herein as lateral posts. Atleast two horizontal posts of the carriage frame (353), particularly thelateral posts (17, 18), are in parallel position with that of thehorizontal posts (301, 302) of the support structure when assembled, andare pivotally connected to at least one carrier arm (351) (overallillustration of carrier arm is shown in FIG. 5), thus making thecarriage frame (353) downwardly suspended from the support structure(300) and is movable. For this connection, each end of the horizontalposts (301, 302) is pivotally connected to one end of the carrier arm(351). There may be further included additional poles or tubes suitablydisposed within the frame (353) to strengthen the carriage frame (353)thus providing further rigidity to the said frame (353).

Motion Assembly

FIG. 3( a) shows a perspective and elevated view of the motion assembly(352) in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimedinvention.

Now referring to FIG. 3( a), the motion assembly (352) in accordancewith the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention is pivotallyconnected to the carriage frame (353) and at the same time, at least onemember of the motion assembly (352) is adapted to be movable upwards ordownwards relative to said carriage frame (353). The motion assembly(352) is positioned vertically upwards relative to the carriage frame(353). The motion assembly (352) in this embodiment comprises atelescopic member (352 a), a track assembly (352 b) and a first andsecond motor units (352 c, 352 d) (overall illustration of trackassembly and motor units are shown in FIG. 4). As seen in FIG. 3( a), afirst end of the telescopic member (352 a) is pivotally secured to thetransverse post (308) and a second end is pivotally and slidably securedto the track assembly (352 b). The middle section of the telescopicmember (352 a) is pivotally connected to the carriage frame (353). Assuitably shown in FIG. 3( a) and FIG. 3( b), all of these sections ofthe telescopic member (352 a) are connected to their respective supportstructures as mentioned above by way of at least one concentric ringsconnector (70 a, 70 b, 71 a, 71 b, 72 a, 72 b) and mounting member (25)to be described herein.

Now referring to FIG. 3( b), the concentric rings connector (70 a)comprises two ring-shape members, whereby at least one is adapted to beconnected movably within the other and thus sharing the same axialpoint. Understandably, at least one ring member, the inner ring (70 a),has a smaller diameter, than that of the outer ring (70 b). There isfurther included a mounting member (25) which is adapted to be securedon the telescopic member (352 a) and within the open space of the innerring (70 a). On the external surface of the inner ring (70 a) there isformed a first pair of horizontal extensions (30, 31) (shown in FIG. 3(a)) suitably disposed at mutually opposing positions. These extensions(30,31) serve to provide pivotal securement of the inner ring (70 a)within the outer ring (70 b) as seen in FIG. 3( a). It would be apparentthat these extensions can be formed on the inner surface of the outerring (70 b), or at other positions suitable to provide a pivotal effect.

Still referring to FIG. 3( a) and FIG. 3( b), there is further provideda second pair (32, 33) of extensions extending horizontally from theinner surface of the inner ring (70 a) at mutually opposing positions.Each of the second pair of protrusions (32, 33) comprises a rod attachedwith a bracket (30 a, 31 a) at one end. The bracket (32, 33) is adaptedto receive a section of the disc shape member of the connecting member(25) to the described in detail herein below. In one embodiment, theouter ring (70 b) is integrally formed or formed on the transverse post(308).

Accordingly, the first concentric rings connector (70 a, 70 b) ispositioned at the top portion of the telescopic unit (352 a), wherebyfor this portion, the outer ring (70 b) is secured or may be formed withthe transverse post (308). The second set of concentric rings (71 a, 71b) is positioned approximately at the middle portion or section of thetelescopic member (352 a) whereby the telescopic member (352 a) slidesthrough the inner ring (71 a) of the second concentric ring (71 a, 71 b)and terminates at the first concentric ring (70 a, 70 b). In thisarrangement, the outer ring (71 b) is secured to the middle region ofthe carriage frame (353). The third concentric rings set (72 a, 72 b) ispositioned at the lower portion of the telescopic unit (352 a), andconnected to the track assembly (352 b). It should be noted that in thisembodiment, in order to allow the telescopic member (352 a) to beextensible or compressible, as to perform a telescopic effect, the innerring (71 b) of the second concentric rings (71 a, 71 b) is not securedor mounted to the telescopic member (352 a). The inner rings (70 a, 72a) of the first and third concentric rings (70 a, 70 b, 72 a, 72 b)however are mounted to the respective sections of the telescopic member(352 a).

FIG. 3( c) shows the mounting or connecting member (25) of the motionassembly (352) in accordance with the preferred embodiments of theclaimed invention. The mounting member (25) is generally a flange typeconnector, which includes a tubular body having a pair of peripheraldisc shape members (25 a, 25 b) (note: no 25 a or 25 b (shown in FIG. 3(c)). It is further formed with peripheral external ridge and acorresponding central opening on both disc members (25 a, 25 b) sizedsufficiently to receive a cylindrical member such as a tube or post. Inthis embodiment, the disc members (25 a, 25 b) are accordingly sized toreceive the telescopic member (352 a).

Track Assembly/Unit

FIG. 4 shows an elevated view of the track assembly (352 b) inaccordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention. Thetrack assembly (352 b) of the claimed invention provides dual axismovements, and more particularly dual axis tracking movements for thetracker system (200). Further in accordance with the preferredembodiments of the claimed invention, the track assembly (352 b) (cannot(shown in revised drawings) is generally disposed below the carriageframe (353) of the support structure (300).

With reference to FIG. 4, the track assembly (352 b) includes a slidingmember (40) being slidably connected to a sliding track (41). Thesliding track (41), for the sliding member (40) in accordance with thepreferred embodiments of the claimed invention is formed by a pluralityof horizontal posts (41 a, 41 b) defining a rail like structure; havingpredetermined sizes being secured together in a suitable manner so as toreceive and allow the sliding member (40) to move slidably along itslength when assembled. In one embodiment, the two horizontal posts (41a, 41 b) are arranged superposed at certain equidistance from oneanother as suitably shown in FIG. 4. Each of the sliding tracks (41) isdisposed on each end of the sliding member (40) and below the carriageframe (353). The track assembly (352 b) may further include a pluralityof concrete members (42,43,44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49) (shown in FIG. 2) soas to lock down or secure the track assembly (352 b) to the ground orany rigid surface.

The sliding member (40) comprises two elongated members (40 a, 40 b)being horizontally positioned and held in position by an inverted Ushaped structure or member (40 c) whereby each end of said elongatedmembers is provided with at least one roller means (52,53,54,55) so asto enable these elongated members to be slidably connected to thesliding tracks (41) as shown in FIG. 4. Suitably, the movement of thesliding member (40) along the sliding tracks (41) results tosun-tracking movements or orientations for the solar panels uponassembled.

Still referring to FIG. 4, a first motor unit (352 c) is secured to onesection of the inverted U-shaped member (40 c) in a manner such that themotor unit (352 d) is able to provide forward and backward motion forthe sliding member (40). The first motor unit (352 c) can be in the formof a conventional geared motor provided with a telescopic shaft (40 d).

As mentioned earlier, the third concentric rings connector (72 a, 72 b)is secured to the sliding member (40) in a manner such that it isslidable along the length of the sliding member (40). In thisconnection, the third concentric rings connector (72 a, 72 b) at whichthe outer ring (72 b) in this preferred embodiment is formed with twomutually opposing T-shape connectors (38, 39); which serves mainly toprovide slidable attachment to the sliding member (40). In thisposition, the third concentric rings connector (72 a, 72 b) thereforeserves as a movable base for the motion assembly (352). The connector(72 a, 72 b) therefore moves perpendicular to that of the sliding member(40) movement.

The second motor unit (352 d) comprises a conventional geared motorconnected to a shaft, said shaft having a moveable piece is disposed onthe U-shaped member (40 c) of the sliding member (40) in manner suchthat it is able to provide forward and backward motion for the thirdconcentric rings connector (72 a, 72 b).

Proceeding from the above, the sliding member (40) in accordance withthe preferred embodiments of the claimed invention comprises twohorizontal posts (40 a, 40 b) having equal or uniform dimension. Thethird concentric rings connector (72 a, 72 b) is disposedperpendicularly in between said two posts (40 a, 40 b) thus keepingthese posts apart at a predetermined distance. The third concentricrings connector (72 a, 72 b) is connected in a manner such that it canslide effortlessly on said horizontal posts (40 a, 40 b) of the slidingmember (40) with the aid of the second motor unit (352 d). As discussedearlier, on each end of the horizontal posts (40 a, 40 b) of the slidingmember (40) there is provided at least one roller or slide elements soas to allow the linear motion of the sliding member (40) along thesliding track (41). The depicted means or methods of attaching theroller(s) to the respective horizontal posts as shown in the drawingsare by way of example and one of skill in the art will appreciate thatother methods are available and are included within the scope of theinvention.

Carrier Arm/Solar Device Holder

FIG. 5( a) illustrates the carrier arm (351) without the solar device(1) in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimedinvention. The carrier arm (351) may be constructed from alloy basedmaterial, or suitably rigid material capable of holding at least a pairof solar devices (1,2). It can be coated or non-coated. The carrier arm(351) comprises two sections, the first section being the upper end orsection of the arm (351 a) is adapted to carry the desired solardevices, for instance, at least a pair of solar panels (1) or solarmodule (1), and another end (351 b), which is the lower end or lowersection, is pivotally coupled to the carriage frame (353). The carrierarm (351) generally resembles a T-shape structure thus comprising across bar being the upper section and a vertical bar being the lowersection.

The upper section (351 a) of the carrier arm (351) being the solar panelholder may include, for example, at least one panel frame for one solarpanel or a pair of holder bars (351 c, 351 d) disposed a right anglewith respect to the top section of the carrier arm (351). Each bar issecured at a predetermined distance from each other on the top sectionof the carrier arm (351 a) as suitably shown in FIG. 5( a). Further, oneach end of the holder bar (351 c, 351 d) there may be secured at leastone additional bar for holding reflecting means (2) or members of thelikes. Both top or upper and lower sections (351 a, 351 b) of thecarrier arm (351) are generally elongated in structure and can be in theform of square tubes. As seen in FIG. 5( b), there can be three solardevices mounted to the carrier arm (351).

Now referring to FIG. 5( c), the carrier arm (351) is attached to thehorizontal member (301, 302) of the support structure (300) by means ofa rotation connector (92). The rotation connector (92) permits the uppersection (351 a) of the carrier arm (351) to be rotated relative to thehorizontal member (301, 302). The rotation connector (92) may beconstructed from alloy based or plastic materials formed into two mainsections, a first section being a tubular hollow member and the secondsection is generally an inverted U-shaped body defining a bracket forsecurement of the upper end (351 a) of the carrier arm (351) to therespective horizontal member (301, 302).

In an alternative embodiment, at least two solar panels (1) and at leastone reflecting means or a concentrator means (2) can be secured to thecarrier arm (351) to increase or optimize solar radiation towards thepanels (1). It is contemplated that the attachment of solar panels ormodules on the carrier arm (351) may include standard mountings, whichare known in the art.

Still referring to FIG. 5( a) and FIG. 5( b), the carrier arm (351)according to the embodiments of the claimed invention can rotate orswing freely in response to the force provided by the motion assembly(352), with the aid of the carriage frame (353). This is achieved byconnecting the lower end of the carrier arm (351) to the lateral post(17, 18). Such attachment can be provided by a pair of flat projections(90,91) which extend downwardly or the likes with predetermineddimension. Each projection (90, 91) is formed with a mounting hole (65)sized to fit suitable fastening means such as rivets or bolts. Theprojections (90, 91) may be provided at the bottom end of the carrierarm (351) so as to connect the carrier arm (351) the lateral posts (17,18) of the carriage frame (353).

A rod-like fastening means or simply a bolt can be extended through themounting hole (65) formed on each projection (90,91), into thecorresponding mounting hole on the lateral post (17, 18) thus safelysecuring the lower section (351 b) of the carrier arm (351) thereto.

Operational Assemblage

In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention,when assembled, there can be a plurality of solar devices such as solarpanels (1) mounted on each carrier arm (351). The carriage frame (353)is connected to the carrier arm (351) by way of the lateral posts (17,18), in which there can be, for example two carrier arms (351) securedto each lateral post (17,18) of the carriage frame (353). Accordingly,there can be eight solar panels (1), each of which having two reflectingmeans secured adjacent to it, thus a total of 24 solar devices can besecured one carriage frame (353). The motion assembly (352) is disposedproximate to the central region of the carriage frame (353) whereby thetelescopic member (352 a) is pivotally connected within the overallstructure of the solar tracker (200). The transverse post (308) ishorizontally connected at the central region of the solar tracker (200).

Dual Axis Sun-Tracking

In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the claimed invention,the sun-tracking motion of the subject solar tracker (200) is based ondual axis tracking, whereby the motion assembly moves the solar devicesuniformly about the respective pivotal axes, depending on the motion ofthe attached motor units, which in turn depends on the position of thesun or celestial object.

The first motion of the solar tracker (200) is the movement of thecarrier arm (351) carrying the solar device (s) in this context beingsolar panels (1) and reflecting means; is based on a vertical axis orday motion of the sun, thus moving based on the east to the west plane,and vice versa. The first motion of the solar tracker (200) aims to keepthe panels perpendicular to the position of the sun. The second motionprovided by the solar tracker (200) is basically in contrast to that ofthe vertical axis, whereby the second motion is based on a horizontalaxis or lateral motion for tracking the seasonal positions of the sun.

The first motion therefore is accomplished based on the movement of thesliding member (40) along the length of the posts of the sliding track(41). The second motion is accomplished based on the movement of thelower section of the telescopic member (352 a) along the sliding member(40). Generally, the telescopic member (352) plays a major role in amanner such that the lower section can be moved laterally and forwardand backward owing to the slidable and pivotal attachment to the slidingmember (40); which is being moved by the first and second motor units(352 c, 352 d).

Understandably, the solar tracking overall operation is dependent on thepositions of the sun, which is by and large, based on geographicallocations. Tracking parameters may include current time, date andseasonal changes. As an example, the tracking information for countriesincluded in the Southern and Northern hemisphere is shown in FIG. 6( a)to FIG. 6( c). In this instance, the angle of inclination of the solarpanel (1) changes every one-hour, and more preferably 15 degrees everyone hour. In one example, the initial position of the solar panel (1)may be 45 degrees relative from a horizontal base. After one hour, thetilt angle may decrease to 30 degrees and so forth. By noon, the solarpanel (1) may be at a right angle relative to the vertical post of thecarrier arm (351). It is contemplated that the tilting angles may varysubject to season changes and operation parameters.

From the above disclosure it is seen that the dual axis tracking systemof the claimed invention is of simple construction with minimal movingparts, but capable of providing synchronized orientations to possibly anunlimited number of solar panels or solar array in tracking the sun.Perceptibly, with minimal components, the overall costing can besignificantly reduced than that of existing dual axis trackers, hencepotential cost savings. Further, the claimed invention potentiallyaddresses land constraint issues as the structure of the tracker asdisclosed herein can support and control or maneuver arrays of panelswith minimal amount of components.

It is further contemplated, and as briefly disclosed in earlierparagraphs, the dual axis tracking system can be used for tracking otherastronomical or celestial objects, whereby for such purpose, theastronomical tools can be mounted on the carrier arms (351) in a mannersuch that the tools or devices can move in alignment or synchronouslyduring tracking

Another apparent advantage is using the tracking system as disclosedherein in applications when reflectors and concentrators are used.Sunlight can be efficiently reflected towards the panels based on morevaried or flexible angles considering the dual axis movements comparedto that of a single axis movements. Examples of the reflection anglesfor each mirror or sunray reflective means can be seen in FIG. 7.

Thus, specific arrangements and combinations of a dual axis tracker havebeen disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in theart that many more modifications besides those already described arepossible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Theinventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except inthe spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure,all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible mannerconsistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components,or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referencedelements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combinedwith other elements, components, or steps that are not expresslyreferenced.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dual axis tracking system (200) comprising: asupport structure (300) for supporting at least one solar device (1)comprising at least two horizontal members (301,302), at least onetransverse post (308) secured at a central region of the supportstructure (300) and a movable carriage frame (353) pivotally coupled tothe horizontal members (301, 302); at least one carrier (351) pivotallycoupled to at least one of the horizontal members (301, 302) and to themovable carriage frame (353); said carrier arm (351) for holding atleast one solar device (1); a motion assembly (352) pivotally coupled tothe carriage frame (353) for providing movements to the carriage frame(353) and the carrier arm (351); wherein the motion assembly (352)comprises at least one telescopic member (352 a) and a track assembly(352 b); said track assembly (352 b) comprising at least one slidingmember (40) being slidably connected to a sliding track (41); whereinthe telescopic member (352 a) is pivotally and slidably coupled to themotion assembly (352) and in a manner such that a lower section of thetelescopic member (352 a) is slidable on the sliding member (40); andthat the lower section of the telescopic member (352 a) is movablelaterally or forward and backward; wherein the solar device (1) varyingorientations or movements are in response to the motions provided by themotion assembly (352) in cooperation with the carriage frame (353) andthe carrier arm (351).
 2. The solar tracking system (200) as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the movable carriage frame (353) is pivotally coupledto the horizontal posts (301, 302) in such a way that it is downwardlysuspended from said horizontal posts (301, 302).
 3. The solar trackingsystem (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier arm (351)comprises an upper section (351 a) for holding the solar device (1) anda lower section (351 b) that extends downwardly and is pivotallyconnected to at least one section of the carriage frame (353).
 4. Thesolar tracking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carriageframe (353) comprises at least two horizontally positioned lateral posts(17, 18) and two middle posts (19, 20).
 5. The solar tracking system(200) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each carrier arm (351) is pivotallycoupled to the lateral posts (17, 18) of the carriage frame (353). 6.The solar tracking system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein thetelescopic member (352 a) is pivotally coupled to the transverse post(308), carriage frame (353) and sliding member (40) by way of concentricrings connectors (70 a, 70 b, 71 a, 71 b, 72 a, 72 b), in a manner suchthat the telescopic member (352 a) is able to be compressible and alsomove in accordance with the motion provided by the carriage frame (353)and the sliding member (40).
 7. The solar tracking system (200) asclaimed in claim 6 wherein the telescopic member (352 a) slides throughinto the second concentric ring connector (71 a, 71 b) and terminates atthe first concentric ring connector (70 a, 70 b).
 8. The solar trackingsystem (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein an upper section of thetelescopic member (352 a) is pivotally coupled to the transverse post(308), a middle section is pivotally coupled to the carriage frame (353)and the lower section is pivotally and slidably coupled to the slidingmember (40).
 9. The solar tracking system (200) as claimed in claim 1,wherein the support structure (300) further comprising a plurality ofvertical posts to hold up the horizontal posts (301, 302).
 10. The solartracking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sliding member(40) comprises two elongated members (40 a, 40 b) being horizontallypositioned and held in position by an inverted U shaped structure ormember (40 c) whereby each end of said elongated members is providedwith at least one roller means (52,53,54,55) so as to enable theseelongated members to be slidably connected to the sliding track (41).11. The solar tracking system (200) as claimed in claim 6 wherein theconcentric rings connector (70 a, 70 b, 71 a, 71 b, 72 a, 72 b)comprises two ring-shape members, whereby at least one is adapted to bean inner ring (70 a, 71 a, 72 a) and another is adapted to be the outerring (70 b, 71 b, 72 b); whereby said inner ring is movably connectedwithin the outer ring and thus both rings share the same axial point.12. The solar tracking system (200) as claimed in claim 6 whereintelescopic member (352 a) is further connected by a mounting member(25); said mounting member (25) comprising a pair of disc shape members(25 a, 25 b) formed with peripheral external ridge and a correspondingcentral opening on both disc members (25 a, 25 b) sized sufficiently toreceive the telescopic member (352 a).
 13. The solar tracking system(200) as claimed in claim 12 wherein at least one mounting member (25)is pivotally disposed on the telescopic member (352 a) within the innerring of the concentric rings connector (70 a, 70 b, 71 a, 71 b, 72 a, 72b).
 14. The solar tracking system (200) as claimed in claims 1 to 3wherein the upper section of the carrier arm (351 a) is pivotallyconnected to the horizontal post (301, 302) by a connector (92); saidconnector (92) comprises two main sections, a first section being atubular hollow member and the second section is generally an invertedU-shaped body defining a bracket for securement of the upper section(351 a) of the carrier arm (351) to the respective horizontal member(301, 302).
 15. The solar tracking system (200) as claimed in claim 1wherein the motion assembly (352) further comprising two motor units(352 c, 352 d); wherein one motor unit (352 c) is connected to providemovement for the sliding member (40) and another motor unit (352 d) isadapted to provide sliding movement for the lower section of thetelescopic member (352 a) on the sliding member (40).
 16. The solartracking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is provided aplurality of carrier arms (351) mounted to the horizontal posts (301,302) and each carrier arm (351) carries a plurality of solar devices (1,2).
 17. The solar tracking system (200) as claimed in claim 1 wherein afirst motion for the solar device (1) is accomplished based on theforward and backward movement of the sliding member (40) along thelength of the posts of the sliding track (41) and a second motion isaccomplished based on the movement of the lower section of thetelescopic member (352 a) along the sliding member (40).
 18. A dual axissolar tracking system (200) comprising: a support structure (300) forsupporting a plurality of solar devices (1) comprising at least twohorizontal members (301,302), at least one transverse post (305) securedhorizontally at a central region of the support structure (300) and amovable carriage frame (353); a plurality of carrier arms (351)pivotally coupled to at least one of the horizontal members (301, 302)and to the movable carriage frame (353); said carrier arm (351) forholding at least two solar devices (1); a motion assembly (352)pivotally coupled to the carriage frame (353) for providing movements tothe carriage frame (353) and the carrier arm (351); wherein the motionassembly (352) comprises at least one telescopic member (352 a) and atrack assembly (352 b); said track assembly (352 b) comprising at leastone sliding member (40) being slidably connected to a sliding track(41); wherein the telescopic member (352 a) is pivotally and slidablycoupled to the motion assembly (352) and in a manner such that a lowersection of the telescopic member (352 a) is slidable on the slidingmember (40); and that the lower section of the telescopic member (352 a)is movable laterally or forward and backward; wherein the solar device(1) varying orientations or movements are in response to the motionsprovided by the motion assembly (352) in cooperation with the carriageframe (353) and the carrier arm (351).